Virginia Union University's Keleaf Tate and Robert Osborne scored 26 points apiece as the Panthers advanced to the semi-finals of the 2023 CIAA Tournament by downing Elizabeth City State University 75-64 on Wednesday, February 22, at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Md.

VUU's Raemaad Wright had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds as the Panthers raised their record to 23-6.

"I take my hat off to Elizabeth City State," said VUU Head Men's Basketball Coach Jay Butler.  "They're a tough team and probably one of the biggest teams in the league.  They cause problems for us and it's hard playing a team three times.  We've been blessed to get three wins against them, but they've been three tough games.  They gave us a tough game, but I can't say enough about my two seniors, Keleaf Tate and Robbie Osborne.  They played an awesome game, with Robbie getting going early, and then when he got winded, Keleaf took over.  It seemed like they took turns scoring baskets."

VUU will now face Winston-Salem State University at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24.